Kartoffeln News, 02/02/2024

According to the latest figures from the Dutch Statistics Office, the 2023/24 potato harvest was significantly lower than last year. Compared to 2022, around 300,000 tons fewer potatoes were harvested. A large part of the decline is attributable to table and processing potatoes. The adverse harvest conditions and a decline in area of around 75,000 hectares are responsible for the decline in harvest. The prices for processing potatoes are rising again this week. Reka left its prices unchanged this week, Belgapom and most recently PotatoNl increased their prices for processing potatoes today and last Monday. The RNM in France is now also quoting 30 euros/dt for the Fontane processing variety. The supply is described everywhere as scarce. Potato producers are holding back their goods in the expectation that prices will continue to rise. As reported, the problematic tubers have been cleared almost everywhere, so that the processors are dependent on free goods for additional capacity. In addition, quantities from contract farming are missing here and there due to bad harvests. Fast food varieties in particular are still in demand. The factories are producing at full capacity. This applies to both french fries manufacturers and chip producers. There are few changes on the food market . Overall, market participants are satisfied with the demand from home and abroad. The prices are stable to slightly firmer. In the current season, the first glances are already directed towards Spain. The early potatoes have now been planted there and, according to market experts, have made a good start to the vegetation phase. The cultivated area has hardly changed compared to the previous year. Due to rainfall in January and December, water availability is good in most regions of Spain, although local frosts have affected stocks.